First, take 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter (do not use crunchy), and combine it with 2 tablespoons of confectioner’s sugar and two tablespoons of graham cracker crumbs. Mix them all up until smooth and then separate the large ball of peanut butter, sugar, and crumbs into two balls. Be sure one is larger than the other, since one will be the body of the spider and one will be the head. Next, take the peanut butter balls and roll them into shredded coconut. The coconut should stick to the peanut butter, and completely cover each ball.

Take black licorice and cut it up into 8 smaller pieces. Then stick the pieces of licorice into the peanut butter balls on each side to make creepy spider legs. Or, you can use an entire piece of licorice for each leg if you desire. Use raisins or small chocolate pieces to make the eyes of the spider. You can make as many or as little spiders as you wish. Lay them out onto a tray and let your guests munch on them. These little Halloween spider treats look great, are easy to make, and taste delicious, too. It’s easy to be the hit of the party when you create these spooky and fun snacks!

However, it can be a little tricky when Halloween arrives and the local kids expect candy for their trick or treat antics.? A bag of carrots and and some apples is going to get you pranked – end of story!? But there is a way to please the kids and stay true to your eco-warrior lifestyle!

First of all, try to buy the candy that contains the healthiest ingredients (read the labels and choose the best option).? Avoid chemical additives, but don’t be too scared of chocolate, nuts and sugar (although be aware of allergies!).? Candies that contain simple ingredients are the best choice and there are plenty to choose from if you look around.

WARNING! At all costs, you should avoid high fructose corn syrup (again read the label).? This is because it is made from genetically modified corn which our bodies find it difficult to metabolize.? Also, this corn syrup is very highly processed using fuel-intensive methods.? It may produce food that is cheap, but at what cost to the environment?? Not good!

Better still, why not make your own green halloween treats, especially if you know the kids involved?? Try making chocolate chip cookies or popcorn balls and wrap them in eco-friendly waxed paper (not plastic!).? If you have kids, they’ll love them as well!

Be careful about handing out homemade treats to strangers.? Sadly, we live in a dangerous world and they may simply be urban myths, but stories of broken glass being found in halloween treats do exist.? Play safe and stick with commercially available (but healthy) candy that has been sealed and packaged in the factory.

Finally, remember that it is possible to be ‘green’ at Halloween without resorting to granola-munching!? Avoid buying candy with loads of packaging (and choose biodegradable wrappers and boxes) and avoid chemical additives as much as possible.

You stay ‘green’ AND the kids stay happy and a little healthier, too!